Wishing you the best this holiday season. Hang tough! My consultation and coaching | mentoring services are available. Links just above. Bill

Agomelatine for Depression: A Breakthrough!?

Bill WhiteMay 20, 201153 comments

How did I feel when I boned-up on agomelatine? Excited, impressed, out-of-the-loop, miffed, and cautious. Quite a combo, don’t you think?

I was really taken when I read about the efficacy of agomelatine in the treatment of depression. But I gotta’ tell ya’, I felt a little silly because I’d never heard of it.

I’m thinking much of that had to do with agomelatine not being available in the US.

What is Agomelatine?

Agomelatine (brand names: Valdoxan, Melitor, Thymanax) is an antidepressant developed by Servier Laboratories Ltd. It’s been approved for the treatment of adult major depressive disorder in Europe and Australia.

Servier sold the rights to market agomelatine in the United States to Novartis. It’s currently undergoing phase III clinical trials in the US. Novartis says the drug is scheduled for submission to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) no earlier than 2012 (you gotta’ be kiddin’ me).

Agomelatine is known as a melatonergic agonist and a 5-HT2c antagonist. Yada, yada – bottom-line: it doesn’t work like modern antidepressants. It has no impact upon the (re)uptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, or dopamine.

The chemical structure of agomelatine is very similar to that of melatonin - catch the root name. It’s known as an analogue - a chemical compound that is structurally similar to another but differs slightly in composition.

Fewer Side Effects

Because agomelatine doesn’t increase levels of serotonin; it’s potential for gastrointestinal, sexual, and metabolic side effects is less than traditional antidepressants.

And how ’bout this? Agomelatine has no discontinuation side effects. Want to quit taking it? Do it!

Agomelatine has a positive impact upon sleep. It has no abuse potential.

Performance

It’s been reported that agomelatine has provided relief in the first week of treatment. (Frankly, I almost omitted that because I don’t want to fuel unrealistic hopes.) Agomelatine is rated very high in terms of maintenance of symptom-relief.

That said, there are unpublished randomized controlled trials that have failed to show that agomelatine is more effective than placebo.

By the way, use caution if you suffer from severe kidney and liver disease, or are a senior.

Research Findings Have Its Back

A study featuring agomelatine was published just two days ago in the online edition of The Lancet. The authors of the study are Ian B. Hickie, MD, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Australia and Naomi L. Rogers, PhD, Central Queensland University, Mackay, Australia.

According to Hickie and Rogers…

“Melatonin analogues provide a new and efficacious mechanism for producing notable phase shifts in human beings.”

From Rogers…

“Many of the traditional antidepressant treatments are effective in alleviating the mood and depressive symptoms but other symptoms, such as sleep disturbance, remain. These other symptoms can have a significant impact on quality of life, daily functioning, and also have other health impacts.”

“There is evidence that improving sleep-wake patterns and circadian rhythms improves mood symptoms, and that disturbances to the circadian and sleep-wake systems may worsen mood symptoms. In patients with depression there is evidence that sleep disturbance often occurs prior to the first onset of depressive symptoms and may also be a marker for relapse of symptoms in many patients.”

That’s All Folks!

I don’t know – if you ask me, agomelatine sounds like it’s a breakthrough medicine. But I have to wonder why Servier sold the US marketing rights to Novartis.

chipur readers in Europe and Australia may be using it right now. I wonder, is it worthy of its hype?

Hi,
I am from Germany. I tried Valdoxan (Agomelatonine) in 2009. I achieved an improvement in sleep quality but no further antidepressant effects. This is what most users experience (according to statements on the internet an my psychiatrist).
So don’t expect to much from Agomelatonine!

http://chipur.com chipur

Hi Titurel! Sure appreciate your visit and comment. Nothing better than personal experience and it’s great having yours on board. You know, I’m wondering if the thought is – if quality of sleep can somehow be improved, that would automatically have a positive impact upon mood. Hmmm, apparently it’s not enough in all cases. Again, thanks for you input!

JaniceRose

Hi there,
I read about Valdoxan a few years ago and being deperate for anything new, I purchased it oversees and tried it. I suffer from unipolar depression and it did squat for me. i don’t have sleep issues so if you need meds for depression and mood issues, don’t rely on this one!

http://chipur.com chipur

Second such comment on Valdoxan. Just what chipur’s all about – sharing and learning (and trying to find stuff that works). Thank you!

http://mags1234.wordpress.com/ Mags

I was one of the first patients prescribed this med by my psych not long after it was approved or so he said and it did nothing for me either. I stopped taking it after a few months as i couldn’t see the point of having side effects for no gain. I guess i should be grateful it didn’t send me manic as other anti depressants do. Shortly after being prescribed Ago i was diagnosed as bipolar ll and i guess this could be a reason why it didn’t work for me.

http://chipur.com chipur

Thanks for your visit and comment, Mags. Another one chalked-up for “Eeh, not so good.” And I sure agree – what sense would it make to endure side effects for no gain. Oops on the diagnosis. No doubt, antidepressants can ramp-up mania. Have you found an antidepressant regimen that works for you?

RobbiR

I tried this drug too, hoping sexual response would improve. Yeah, I slept okay, but depression came back rapidly. I don’t know if sexual reponse was really any better ’cause who want’s to be touched when in a black and gray mood? So now I’m back to cheerful-ish but body-dead. Poop.

http://chipur.com chipur

Thanks for your visit and comment, Robbi. Sorry things haven’t worked-out as well as you may have liked. But I gotta’ tell ya’, I got a kick out of your conclusion – “Poop!”

Argentalex

Hi- I have just started Agomelatine. I have to say so far ( one week only, but still) – it’s fabulous. I am sleeping like a baby (no other antidepressant has done that- the opposite!) , I feel calm and alert during the day…
This is a very different experience.
I have zero side effects, apart from slight reflux on taking the pill.
A thought- my p doc has told me , on the quiet side, that there is quite a bit of talk amongst his colleagues who are bipolar experts, that this drug may be particularly relevant for bipolar patients, who seem much more sensitive to circadian disturbance, as part of the syndrome. I do have “soft” bipolar ie without extreme mania- so maybe that’s why I am loving it?
All the others made me hyper and uncomfortable- and ADs in general are being questioned in treatment of bipolar(and btw, pdoc is definitely talking about adding a baby dose of a stabilizer once i adjust to this)-
but this one , so far, works like a charm for me- and quickly.
But early days yet, so we will see.
Also btw- it’s not my understanding that agomelatine does not at all affect serotonin levels ( or, as I have heard claimed , dopamine and norapinaphrine, for which it’s an AGONIST- as far as I’m aware)- but that they are still working out exactly what it does re serotonin. Just for what it’s worth.

Cheers.

AG

http://chipur.com chipur

Welcome to chipur, argentalex. A load of great information in your comment. It’s appreciated!

Bill

Bet

I’ve just started this too. Day 8 today. Day 4 I could feel definitely better. My brain was working. I didn’t feel like I couldn’t function of even go through a day. I feel so much better it’s a huge improvement. The bipolar bit scares me though. I think I may have it but I’ve never been treated for it. Maybe I do have it after all.

http://chipur.com/ Chipur

Hey, Bet! Glad you stopped-by and contributed. The more comments for all to read, the better. Sweet that you’re feeling better. Don’t sweat the bipolarity thing just now. Enjoy the fact that things are looking up. Peace…

Bill

lola

I have to say, I have tried, lexapro, paxil, prozac, cymbalta, zoloft and now agomelatine. Out of all I liked agomelatine the best. It helped me sleep, I felt results pretty much right away but it was so gradual I felt like it wasn”t working but when I took a look back from where I was when I started to a month in there was great improvement. I was cheerful, not snappy, every little thing didnt bother me anymore. My coworkers noticed a great improvement in my behavior. I stopped taking it after 3 1/2 months b/c the taking blood every visit was getting to me. I hate needles. I have been off it now for 2 months and want to go back on. I am back to where I was before, snappy, no patience, some sleepless nights and every little thing bothers me. I get angry at stupid stuff…I feel miserable but trying to fight it. Not sure if I have major depressive or minor disorder but it sure did help me.

My problem is sleep. I can not sleep a normal 7 hours sleep at night without waking up. My GP is suggesting that I start with Agomelatine. She has since placed me on one quarter of Dormonoct and and one tablet of Trepline for two months now. Do you think I should try Agomelatine.

http://chipur.com chipur

Well, I don’t know all the details of your case history; however, agomelatine seems like a good option. If it, indeed, improves sleep/wake cycle and circadian rhythms – why not? As always, it’s your decision in conjunction with your doc…

Bill

Andrea

Hell there,
I am from Dublin, Ireland and have been taking Valdoxen (Algomelitine) for over four months now in conjuction with Lyrica (Pregabalin) and have found the combination very helpful. I have a diagnosis of Emotionally Unstable (Borderline) Personality Disorder, so medication is only one part of my care plan along with psychology. My main symptoms are low mood and anxiety, and since starting these drugs both symptoms have decreased in intensity ten fold. Previously I had been on Effexor and had to change due to terrible side effects, which thankfully I do not experience on these. My sleep has improved and things seem brighter. Overall I am very happy with Algomelitine.

http://chipur.com chipur

Hi Andrea!

Sure appreciate your chipur visit and comment – I’m glad you provided such detail. And I’m pleased you shared the fact that you benefit from BOTH meds and psychotherapy.

Please come back for a visit (or two) – and thanks for your contribution…

Bill

Sharon Mumzy Lambert

do you take yours at nite im on that with seroquil to takeing s at nite and valdoxin in the morning wondering will i take both at nite

http://chipur.com chipur

Hi Sharon! Sure hope you get a reply from Andrea, but it’s been two years since she posted. Who knows? Maybe she’ll check back in. Still, thank you for visiting Chipur and commenting…
Bill

Constantijn

Dear Bill,

I found your site after a search on experience reports about Agomelatine. I’m a 34 yo male, and have been suffering from clinical depression (deemed endogenous by my psychiatrist) for quite some time now.

I have the dubious honour of being an on-and-off guinea pig for my doctor, since in the past I haven’t been able to find any medication that improved my symptoms consistently and (as) permanently (as possible). I have tried various SSRIs (Fluoxetine, Citalopram, Sertraline) both as single therapy and in combination with Doxepine(zzzzzz).

I came to try out Bupropion (SR), as per my request (the doctor had no experience with it), because I wanted to try something working via a wholly different mechanism, and have been taking it ever since (at 300 mg), since it provides at least some improvement in symptoms. After some combinations with the aforementioned medications, I landed in an extremely stressful period in my life, where my doctor prescribed me (low dose) Seroquel, in order to help with sleeping, and to cope with anxiety. Surprisingly, this proved to be quite a success, and improves a lot of my anxiety related symptoms. I now take both the extended release variant (50 mg) and one 25 mg pill at bedtime.

To finally come to Agomelatine … this was actually a suggestion by my doctor, who had been recently informed about it, and asked me if I would consider taking it, seeing as I was still complaining about depressive symptoms. With all these exotic molecules in my bloodstream, it is sometimes difficult to point out when things change, but I do remember feeling relatively alright at the time.

At some point (couple of months ago), my doc took me off Agomelatine. As of 2 weeks ago, I’m back on it, since neither of us seemed to remember why she took me off it in the first place.

Long story short: in the last weeks I’ve had quite a dip (also winter-depression related), and feeling very bad. The last few days, the skies have been blue outside, and the Agomelatine seems to be working – since I now have been paying closer attention, I have noticed better sleep quality (including vivid, but not unpleasant dreams) and a pretty sudden lift in mood starting some day or two ago.

I can’t really say that Agomelatine is a magic drug for me, but I think I can clearly notice its effects. I’m probably not a representative case, taking a (mild) psychostimulant, an atypical neuroleptic and a melatonine agonist, and I can’t judge on Agomelatine all by itself, but in general I’d say it’s worth a try if you don’t react to first- and second-line treatment, probably best as a booster medication.

Cheers, Constantijn

Constantijn

Oh the woes of clicking ‘Post’ too quickly … I should add that when my doctor took me off Agomelatine the first time, I had no discontinuation effects whatsoever (in the past, I have been able to quit relatively high doses of diazepam within a couple of days, and zolpidem within a week or 2. SSRIs, Fluoxetine excepted, have given me nastier discontinuation unpleasantnesses).

With regard to side-effects, I have to say that I haven’t noticed anything difference between the (mild) side-effects from the other meds alone (mostly the usual seroquel stuff – Bupropion doesn’t really give me any side-effects other than a slight increase in heartrate), and the side-effects from other meds + Agomelatine.

So, that concludes my 2 eurocents on Agomelatine so far :)

Cheers, Constantijn

http://chipur.com chipur

…and we’re all the better for your thoroughness!!!

http://chipur.com chipur

Welcome aboard, Constantijn! Thank you for your detailed comment…

Bill

Fred

It would be interesting to see a study comparing agomelatine with melatonin…. Melatonin is relatively inexpensive and I believe doesnt hurt the liver/kidneys.

http://chipur.com chipur

Thanks, Fred. Perhaps someone will chime in with something…

Bill

Janefrench

HI, I’m bi polar, high depression. after 6 years on antidepressants,mood enhancers and sleep enhancers I am not quite a moron, but awfully close to. so this week I started on valdoxen. it has disrupted my sleep initially but improving each day. I had my first dream in 6 years last night – a dream of rebuilding a home from building blocks, and finding old friends and work colleagues in each box.
I have now discarded the antidepressants, under instructions of my psychiatrist. I am told the circadian rhythm concept takes only days to establish. I am also told the last thing you should give a bi polar patient is an anti depressant. so if the valdoxen fixes the sleep and the antidepressants are gone, it’s just a few more weeks of eliminating mood enhancers, sleep enhancers, and I should be back to only valdoxen.

I already have had windows of moments of the same light hearted energetic joy I used to enjoy, and it’s like seeing yourself in the past.

vv2808

Hi Janefrench,

I am also bipolar II and have just been given valdoxen to try for 3 weeks, after trialing many antidepressants, then tegratol, then lamotragine. I had an allergic reaction to both of these, and was told the next logical step is lithiuim, which I am loathe to try, so my pdoc suggested valdoxen as an alternative. I am keen to ask how you have gone for the past 2 weeks on this?

Ashleyv08

I was in a clinical study for Agomelatine under Novartis. I have had depression for years and tried a few different medicines for it including Lexapro and Zoloft. Agomelatine has been the best medicine for it by far! At the beginning of the study I am certain I was on the placebo as there was no change in my depression. But when I went to open label and was on the actual medicine I saw a significant change. I have also had trouble with sleep and tried Ambien for about 2 nights… I was practically in a coma on Ambien and as mother of two that is obviously not a good thing! While on Agomelatine I was able to fall asleep easily, if i needed to wake up to mommy my kids in the middle of the night I was able to do so coherently, and most important of all i was able to go back to sleep afterward and feel fully rested in the morning. Anyone with depression, sleep disorders and kids knows how vastly important this is!!! I have been trying to keep an eye on the production of Agomelatine in the United States since the conclusion of the study because I would very much like the have it as my daily depression medicine. I liked the Agomelatine because if made me feel like myself, not the “me” on antidepressants, or “me” without medicine, but the me I want to be… interactive with my family, fun, outgoing, and able to handle the day to day without it feeling like life is just a crushing weight. I hope this has given some insight for anyone doing any kind of research on the drug. It may not work for everyone and it is not a fix-all but it improved my life while i was taking it… enough that i was propelled to search its production progress and comment on here. :-)

Margie Cameron

Hi, I live in South Africa and after years and years of trying different SSRI’s with not much effect, I recently asked my pdoc to prescribe Agomelatine (it is distributed as Valdoxane by Servier Laboratories here). I have been taking it for almost 3 weeks now (while tapering off Paxil for 10 of those days), and I must admit that I am sleeping much better, my mood has improved and I have no side effects apart from a slight headache when I wake up. But that is due to the fact that I sleep so well that I land up sleeping on my back with my neck in a funny position. :)
The one negative point is that Valdoxane is VERY expensive compared to the older meds. Zoloft costs about R90 per month and Valdoxane is R360 per month.

I am battling a bit (no, a LOT) though with anxiety that started before the change in medication. And as I do not EVER want to touch a Benzo again after going through terrible (cold turkey) withdrawals 2 years ago, its a problem that I’m not sure how to deal with.

DeEtta Crawford

I was in a study of agomelatin from May, 2007 to July, 2008. I saw positive results after only a week and complete remission of my severely depressive symptoms after a month with zero side effects. My Hamilton went from 28 to 3. I was leveled at 50 mg per day taken 2 hours before bedtime for a year. I was told that it would be available in the US in about 2 years. It has been almost 4 1/2 years and no joy. I have been on Zoloft, but I don’t like the way I feel when I am on it and it messes with my short term memory. I asked my current psychiatric provider about agomelatin and she had never heard of it. WHEN WILL THIS BE AVAILABLE IN THE US, IF EVER?

http://chipur.com chipur

Thank you for visiting Chipur and participating, DeEtta. I’m glad you shared your positive experience with agomelatine (Valdoxan) during the trials. Not surprising (but certainly sad) that your current psychiatric provider hadn’t heard of it. But it’s rather a mute point, isn’t it? Regarding availability in the U.S. I sure wouldn’t hold my breath. A bit of history from Wikipedia: “In March 2006, Servier announced it sold the rights to market agomelatine in the United States to Novartis. It was undergoing several phase III clinical trials in the US, and until October 2011 Novartis listed the drug as scheduled for submission to the FDA no earlier than 2012. However, the development for the US market was discontinued in October 2011, when the results from the last of those trials became available.” For much much more check-out this link http://www.justanswer.com/mental-health/5q8xy-valdoxan-available-united-states-not-when.html
Again, thank you for visiting and participating…
Bill

sam

Hello, I found this site while searching for agomelatine. I suffer from
depression and anxiety. So far I tried celexa,remeron and wellbutrin
without any effects at all which is really discouraging. Now my doc
suggested agomelatine. To be honest I don’t really expect much from it
because from what I read in the past it’s not really a “strong” drug. I
mean it doesn’t even affect serotonine. I really wonder how it’s
supposed to do much against depression.

Do you know if this stuff could at least be stacked with other antidepressants like a SSRI?

What
I also worry about is liver toxicity. Will I be allowed to drink
alcohol while being on it? I’m used to having my glass of wine every
day. I would greatly miss this.

Couple of quotes…
“Specific drug-drug interaction studies involving lithium, lorazepam,
alcohol, and valproic acid have not demonstrated any significant effects
of these drugs on the pharmacokinetics of agomelatine.”
“Because elevated liver enzymes are common, and there is a rare risk of more serious liver reactions, routine laboratory monitoring of liver function is recommended periodically throughout treatment.”

My gut? There may be some merit in using agomelatine as an augmenting agent with SSRIs, SNRIs, etc. Check with your prescriber. A glass of wine/day with Agomelatine? I’m not thinking it’s a huge issue, but, again, check with your prescriber.

Bill

sam

Hi Bill, thank you for the link.

I’ll keep you update if agomelatine works for me. But my hopes aren’t very high. I also read studies on wellbutrin which said how good it is compared to other antidepressants and so on and it didn’t work for me. At least agomelatine doesn’t have as many side effects as other drugs. My doc also said I could try Lyrica but this stuff has an insanely long list of side effects. I could never take this.

http://chipur.com chipur

You’re welcome, Sam. Please do keep us posted. By the way, are you seeing a counselor? If not, please consider doing so, okay?

Bill

sam

Hi Bill, currently not. I tried PT a few times but made pretty bad experiences. To be honest I also don’t know what a PT could tell me which would make me feel better because my situation is simply totally depressing. There’s not much which can be done about it either.

http://chipur.com chipur

Oh, I don’t know, Sam. Maybe you just haven’t come across the right therapist. And it’s not so much a matter of what a therapist could tell you – that isn’t how it’s supposed to work. It’s more about a therapist working with you (for you) in the management of your depression. Frankly, if you truly believe there’s not much that can be dnoe about it, might your current situation be an issue of self-fulfilling prophesy? Not “telling” you what to do, Sam. Just bouncing some ideas off of you…
Bill

sam

Hi Bill,

my situation is really complicated and I have so many issues all at once and many of them cannot be changed or solved and then everything will be fine again. I wish it was that easy. Then I could also have hope if all I needed to do was to find a good therapist and then work things out. But unfortunately my situation simply is very dim. My last therapist didn’t even allow me in the first session to explain my entire situation but instead he interrupted me. He didn’t even want to understand what’s going on in my life. I felt like I’m in the wrong movie. I basically feel like for me it’s all about survival. I’m physically sick and that is also a major reason for being depressed. At the same time my parents are also not in good shape. I worry a lot about them, too. I totally depend on them cause I have noone else. I feel like I pretty much ruined my whole life. I made too many bad decisions which cannot be undone. I’m over 30 years old and still studying at the university! Other people in my age have jobs and families and I’m still living at home depending on my parents. It’s simply totally depressing. And I’m also totally terrified of the final exams which are coming up next year because these few exams will decide over everything! My fear of them is so big and it has been building up over years. I think about this every day and also often at night I can’t sleep and think about those exams and feel like this is never going to work. That’s also why I went on antidepressants. I hoped maybe they would help me deal with this insane pressure but they didn’t and I also dont expect much anymore. There really is no way to sugar-coat my situation. I constantly feel like I’m on the edge of a giant abyss. Years ago when I was also struggling at the university with a certain project I wanted to talk about it with my father and he told me that I either get the diploma or I can as well kill myself because then everything will be over and I have no chance of getting a halfway decent job. I mean my vitae is totally messed up. I have been a long time student and so far not reached anything. And even if I got the diploma I’d have no clue what to do with it. Who would hire someone that old with such a bad vitae? One of my former therapists tried to tell me that it’s not that bad and even if I didnt get the diploma then I’d still get a job but this stuff doesn’t comfort me because I know that it’s not true. Even with a diploma it would be hard to find a job. Without diploma I could forget it. I mean it’s not only about getting a diploma. My messed up vitae is also very bad for me.

I’m constantly struggling with depression it simply always shifts. One day I may be exhausted and despaired because of my bad health, the next day it may be because of my fear of the future and on another day it may be because I worry about my parents. It’s simply too much for one person to deal with and still function at the same time. What’s also terrible is not being able to talk to anyone. I mean when I’m sitting at home over my studies and then become despaired and think this is never going to work, which happens often, then I feel like it’s all over and I can’t talk about this with anyone. My parents couldnt help me. They only always told me stuff like you simply gotta do it in the past when I brought this up. But this stuff doesnt help me it only makes the pressure worse. I simply cant deal with such a situation with such an insane pressure where I literally feel like my life depends on it. Either I make it or it’s all over. This pressure is just terrible. I wish I could escape it but I cant. I wish so much this suffering would just end. I mean years ago I hoped I’d get kicked out of the university so that it would at least be over but instead it goes on and on and on. Even years ago I had times where I was so exhausted that I wanted to quit but because quitting was no option because of my age I always had to go on. And now towards the end the pressure becomes so big that I often feel like losing my mind over it.

Alright, Sam – here are my unsolicited and “straight-shooting” feelings and thoughts regarding what you’ve shared. By the way, thank you for commenting in such detail. It provides material to which readers can relate – and to which they can respond.

Yes, your situation appears to be “really complicated” – depression, physical illness, worrying about your parents, parental expectations, feeling as though you’ve ruined your life, school and life pressures, feelings of failure, lack of social supports, pessimism regarding your future, and then some – I’m sure.

I’m thinking you know you’re in the midst of an emotional, mental, and physical firestorm that has been stoked and building in intensity over many years. And it’s generating all sorts of very self-believable cognitive distortions. Example? “One of my former therapists tried to tell me that it’s not that bad and even if I didn’t get the diploma then I’d still get the job but this stuff doesn’t comfort me because I know that it’s not true.”

Sam, I know you can’t see it just now, but that statement doesn’t sound at all unreasonable to me – on objective outside observer. Look, were I you, I’d likely be jaded too regarding your present situation and the prospects for relief. Call me goofy, but I believe there’s hope.

What your last therapist did was absolutely wrong, and there’s just no excuse for it. Don’t know how you came by him. Ticks me off that there are “professionals” like that out there that make all of us look so bad. But I believe in the power of the therapeutic alliance, not only because I’m a therapist, but because it worked for me.

Tell ya’ what – if you’d like to contact me privately I’d be willing to assist with some immediate hope. I just hate to see someone waste away their life – it isn’t necessary or fair. Feel free to contact me at bill@chipur.com.

Hang in there, Sam…

Bill

Indelibrella

Sam, I have been there (albeit with a different set of circumstances) and I can tell you that there are answers…and there is help! I promise you, finding people who will SUPPORT you will change your life. They are out there. Don’t give up on medication either. Every person is unique and sometimes it just takes time to find the right regimen. Whatever you do, just remember that everything in this life that is negative is temporary and YOU are here for a reason! Take Bill up on his offer and talk to him. This is also a great sounding board, so pop in anytime you feel the need to vent. I wish you peace and happiness in your life. Take care!

http://chipur.com chipur

What a sweet reply, Indelibrella. Thank you so much for caring…
Bill

Patricia Miller

Dear Sam,
No matter how grim you feel you vitae is, I promise it is not nearly as bad as you believe. Many employers would prefer to hire a mature worker who has learned from the school of hard knocks and is self-aware and ready to make a difference in the world. I know, because I am one of those employers. People do not always look for the fresh scrubbed vanilla youth to fill their vacancies because those are not the best employees in many cases.
Your circumstances do sound sorrowful, painful, and full of stress, but please do not rule out a visit to your family doctor and know that the last therapist you visited was just a poor excuse for a human being, as well as a counselor. I’m sorry you met that person, but please do not give up on reaching out. It is clear that you have NOT given up, or you would not have posted here. You cling to hope, and that is wonderful and I hope for you that you continue to press on and to know that there is real beauty out there and that you CAN make it through these final exams. You are not alone in your pain or hurt.

http://chipur.com chipur

Thank you, Patricia. very wise and kind words!
Bill

Wanda

Answering every single post, as a moderater, is a lot of work; you know that’s not usual at all, right? The ‘netiquette’ is different for posting than say emailing, or messaging. We are not messaging you, the moderator, we are messaging ‘out there’ (publicly), with you as, well….moderator. As in, in case anything particularly relevent comes up that you want to highlight, or there’s and argument or some other problem. It actually feels a little weird, gotta say. Sorry:S Just thought you mb should know

http://chipur.com chipur

Hi Wanda – Your point is well-taken, and I’ll swirl it around. Guess I’m from the old school, thinkin’ if someone visits your home you ought to acknowledge their presence and thank them for stopping by. Appreciate the input (and thanks for “stopping by”)…
Bill

Patricia Miller

Dear Wanda,
I suppose I have to politely disagree with your viewpoint. Part of the reason I enjoy Chipur, in addition to the timely, highly researched and informed articles about mental health issues, is the personal touch Bill brings as the moderator. I think I would tend to skip the comments, as I do on most forums, except that I like his responses and commentary to each poster. It is one of the things that makes Chipur unique. In the world of mental health forums that is a lovely thing, not something to be viewed in a negative light. It is nice to see the heart of the author of the articles; that is more clearly seen in the commentary than even in the articles. –Respectfully, Patricia

http://chipur.com chipur

Whether or not it was supportive, I appreciate your visit and comment, Patricia. And, hey, we’re all entitled to our opinion, right?
Bill

mne

I dont know if this helpa anyone- my gfriend is diagnosed dysrmthymia i.e. chronic depression..she experimented with ketamine IM 2xday shots, up to 15 mg, which basically is very low and was quite helpful but effects would wear off….but then we added melatonin in the evening last 3 days only(i know its short period) but IMMEDIATELY she reacted and functioned last three days with almost no depression syndromes…for us its very promissing!

http://chipur.com chipur

This is fascinating and relevant information, mne. I’ve mentioned the impact of ketamine on depression several times on Chipur. But this is the first time someone’s posted that has first-hand experience. And then to add melatonin and have such a positive reaction. I’m so happy for your girlfriend – and you. I ran a piece not long ago about an antidepressant in development. Here’s the link http://chipur.com/2013/06/15/i-feel-depressed-so-whats-in-the-relief-pipeline-lets-chat-glyx-13/ Interesting thing is, ketamine had much to do with its “birth.” Thank you so much for stopping by and contributing, mne. Best wishes to your girlfriend and you…
Bill

Hex Black

I have bi polar 2. I have tried melatonin before, but after a few days it causes me anxiety. I have tried Valdoxan for a week, it gives me nausea, and it feels exactly like taking melatonin. It may get better down the track, but in my view, it is cheaper to just take melatonin if you want to try this med. And melatonin is available in the USA and Valdoxan is not.